We all communicate with different people and at different levels. For example, when you communicate with your family and friends, it is very casual and informal. However when you communicate with your clients, customers, superiors, peers and subordinates, it is formal. In a professional setting, your communication skills can enhance or sabotage your career. Our written and verbal skills can be a key factor in making all the difference!

Having this thought in mind we are glad to share with you the last five tips in “The Art of Effective Communication” series.

1. Confidence: One of the keys to being an effective communicator is being confident while speaking. Maintain a confident tone and speak at a comfortable pace.
2. Articulate Better / Enunciation: While speaking try to open your mouth and pronounce the words clearly. Bad pronunciation or incorrect grammar can ruin your message and distract the listener.
3. Vocabulary: I can’t stress enough on the importance of a good vocabulary. A good vocabulary will give you good command over the English language. You could develop your vocabulary by reading a lot, using a dictionary often, playing Scrabble or other word games. If you learn a new word try to use it, so that you don’t forget it!
4. Your voice: Your voice is a very powerful instrument, learn to use it effectively. Modulate your voice, try not to sound monotonous. Modulating your voice can help make you sound more interesting. Inflecting your voice while speaking helps to keep the listener engaged.
5. Know what you’re talking about: A lot of us at times talk about topics that we may not know much about. There is an old saying; “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing” – this stands good even today. If you want to sound intelligent, then do your homework before the process of communication.

If you truly are passionate about improving your communication skill, you will need to practice a lot.

One of the keys to the success of any great leader today, is effective communication. You will be surprised to know that they practice their speeches, until they know that they can make an impression!

Good luck in your quest to master “The Art of Effective Communication”.

Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought
for with ardor and attended to with diligence.
- Abigail Adams